Scarlets welcome back a number of players to face Stormers

Scarlets welcome back a number of players from injury and suspension for the resumption of the BKT United Rugby Championship against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town on Friday.

The experienced Scott Williams returns in midfield, while Sam Lousi, Blade Thomson, Tomás Lezana and Dan Davis are also back in the ranks.

Williams is the lone change to the backline that took the field in the defeat to Leinster in round seven. He comes in at inside centre with skipper Jonathan Davies reverting to his more accustomed No. 13 jersey.

Up front, Steff Thomas, Daf Hughes and Harri O’Connor continue in the front row, while in the second row Sam Lousi returns from international duty with Tonga to partner Tom Price.

Vaea Fifita is unavailable for this game. The Tonga international is set to join the squad for the round nine fixture against the Lions in Johannesburg.

The one change in the back row sees openside Dan Davis come in for his first appearance of the season.

Hooker Taylor Davies is another who could make his URC seasonal bow after being named on the bench, while Thomson and Lezana provide second row and back-row cover.

Nineteen-year-old scrum-half Archie Hughes, Rhys Patchell and Steff Evans cover the backs.

Scarlets team to play DHL Stormers at DHL Stadium on Friday, November 24 (17:00 UK; BBC Wales & Viaplay)

15 Johnny McNicholl; 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Jonathan Davies (capt), 12 Scott Williams, 11 Ryan Conbeer; 10 Dan Jones, 9 Gareth Davies; 1 Steff Thomas, 2 Daf Hughes, 3 Harri O’Connor, 4 Sam Lousi, 5 Tom Price, 6 Aaron Shingler, 7 Dan Davis, 8 Sione Kalamafoni.

Replacements: 16 Taylor Davies, 17 Kemsley Mathias, 18 WillGriff John, 19 Blade Thomson, 20 Tomás Lezana, 21 Archie Hughes, 22 Rhys Patchell, 23 Steff Evans.

Unavailable

Vaea Fifita, Wyn Jones, Johnny Williams, Lewis Rawlins, Joe Roberts, Callum Williams, Samson Lee, Griff Evans.

Unavailable because of international commitments

Ken Owens, Ryan Elias, Josh Macleod, Sam Costelow, Dane Blacker, Leigh Halfpenny, Kieran Hardy.